POLICE OFFICER, PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK

Code: 32352 State Competitive Range: FA17 (FY 2027)

Salary: $71,668.13 - $115,491.9/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

As directed by a Patrol Sergeant or Patrol Lieutenant, Palisades Interstate Park, during an assigned tour of duty, patrols the roads, grounds, buildings, and other areas and facilities of the Palisades Interstate Park and the Palisades Interstate Parkway to provide assistance and protection of persons, to safeguard property, to ensure observance of the law, and to apprehend law breakers; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Gives desired information to inquiries as to local geography, local occurrences, park regulations, provisions of the law, and other proper matters.
• Assists and protects children and others at street crossings, playgrounds, play fields, and picnic and other areas.
• Regulates and controls pedestrian and vehicular traffic when necessary, to ensure safety, reasonable rapid movement of traffic, and a minimum of interference.
• Helps to maintain order at places where people gather in numbers.
• Notes conditions while patrolling the designated territory.
• Checks the condition of buildings and takes steps to protect them from damage and theft.
• Takes needed action as to suspicious persons and conditions and reports significant actions, occurrences, and conditions.
• Provides police protection when large sums of money are in transit.
• Makes investigations of complaints involving misconduct, suspicious behavior, illegal activities, improper conditions, and other matters within the field of police operations.
• Notes and reports holes in the pavements, dangerous holes, fallen rocks and trees, imperfect street lights, and other conditions constituting dangers or hazards.
• Gives first aid in the case of accidents or emergencies.
• When assigned to night duty, checks and notes whether gates, doors, gratings, and entrances are securely fastened when they should be and, if they are not, investigates and notifies interested persons and Police Headquarters of conditions which should be corrected.
• Checks cars and persons in restricted areas.
• When necessary, apprehends, warns, and/or takes into custody violators.
• Gives testimony under oath in court.
• When assigned to Police Headquarters, receives complaints, takes proper action by notifying Patrolmen by radio, and helps maintain accurate records.
• Prepares clear, accurate, and informative reports of significant activities and conditions.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent.

<b>AGE:</b>

Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.

CITIZENSHIP

United States citizenship.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the proper police procedures to be used in dealing with people, and safeguarding buildings and property.
• Knowledge of the problems involved in following prescribed procedures embodied in police rules and regulations.
• Ability to maintain order in the buildings and on the park grounds and areas among visitors, and ability to control and regulate vehicular traffic to ensure safety and reasonable rapid movement of traffic with a minimum of interference.
• Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to learn quickly from oral and written explanations and from demonstrations.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and apply to specific situations laws, local ordinances, and Palisades Interstate Park Commission police rules and regulations.
• Ability to deal courteously but effectively with varied types of persons, individually and in groups, in varied situations.
• Ability to note significant facts and conditions by observation when on patrol or traffic duty.
• Ability to perform repetitive operations, including the answering of inquiries, without loss of equanimity, patience, or courtesy.
• Ability to work effectively with associates, superior officers, park visitors, children, tourists, and others.
• Ability to read and interpret law and regulations.
• Ability to conform to official and unofficial requirements as to dress, conduct, and behavior.
• Ability to give testimony under oath in court.
• Ability to write clear, accurate, and comprehensive police reports.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 16/FA17- ECK 3/16/96

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

At the time of appointment, applicants for this position must submit acceptable proof of meeting the indicated requirements.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Appointees must be able to satisfactorily complete the police training course administered by the Police Training Commission. Such training includes successful attainment of a level of proficiency in the use of firearms.

Candidate certified from the eligible list for this title may be required to undergo a medical and psychological examination to be administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical, or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be a cause for rejection.